Concurrent Sessions

Presentor: Jennifer Macleod, Senior Professional Development Program Manager,University of Michigan – Dearborn

“Teamwork Makes the Dream Work” exemplifies the University of Michigan-Dearborn’s cross-campus collaboration in supporting students’ career readiness. Career Services is partnering with faculty, counselors, international affairs, academic advisors, and more, developing innovative programming that fosters personal & professional growth, as well as improved awareness of campus resources. This interactive presentation will explore the planning strategies, content development, and outreach processes we use to create a holistic and transformational approach to career readiness and the student experience.

Presentors: Laurel Draudt, Director of Career Services, University of Michigan-Dearborn & Jade Ortiz, Senior Talent Relationship Manager, RKT Holdings

Join us for a session exploring career services and recruiter perspectives on the development and value of campus student employment. We will discuss strategies for enhancing student employment programs, best practices for recruiting and supervising student workers, and ways to align student employment with career development goals. This session is designed for employers hiring interns or recent graduates and university professionals involved in campus student employment.

Presentor: Victor Joaquin, Talent Program Manager, The Right Place, Inc.

This session will provide an in-depth look at how The Right Place builds strong, strategic employer relationships. Through real examples, participants will learn how they too can transform employer engagement into a powerful driver of talent and leave with a clear framework and practical tips to implement in their own roles. The session is designed for audience members looking to foster deeper employer connections and leverage those relationships to drive meaningful outcomes.

Presentors: Angela Shelby, Statewide Recruitment Specialist, State of Michigan & James Fults, Workforce Programs and Recruitment Unit Manager, Michigan Department of Transportation & Cindy Whittum, Recruitment and Internship Specialist, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy & Jack Ho, Recruitment & Retention Specialist, Michigan Department of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs

The State of Michigan hiring process can feel complicated – but it doesn’t have to be. This session will walk through the departments who serve our state, their business purpose, their workforce needs, educational requirements, and how to apply for jobs. Whether for your students or yourself, join us to learn how to be a civil servant for the great State of Michigan, and why we are an employer of choice.

Presentors: James Jackson, Transportation Diversity Recruitment Strategy Coordinator, MDOT & James Fults , Workforce Program and Recruitment Unit Manager, MDOT & Laura Bennsinger, TRAC Program Manager, MDOT & Melvin “Jay” Durnell, Veterans Internship Program Manager, MDOT

MDOT’s workforce development initiatives connect education, opportunity, and mentorship to meet Michigan’s transportation needs. This session delves into key programs, such as the TRAC Program for K-12 STEM education, the Transportation Career Pathways Program (TCPP) for hands-on career training, the TDRP Internship Program for underrepresented students, and the MDOT Mentoring Program, which fosters professional growth. Learn how these efforts work in harmony to address workforce challenges, improve retention, and create a pipeline that mirrors Michigan’s vibrant communities.

Presentors: Bill Stec, Manager of Recruitment & Campus Relations, Yeo & Yeo & Ian Caullay, Director of Career and Life Design, Oakland University School of Business Administration

Learn how Yeo & Yeo partnered with Oakland University School of Business, going from zero applicants to ten accepted offers in just one year. Beyond career fairs, you need to be on-campus multiple times to build that reputation, express your company culture and ultimately keep students engaged throughout the recruitment process. Learn how career services professionals and HR/recruiters can impact the talent gap in a highly competitive market, while playing a strong role in student success and outcomes.

Presentors: Amirika Richardson, Education Officer, Capital Area Michigan Works! & Amber Denny, Vice Chair, Ingham County Racial Equity Task Force

Are you ready to elevate your leadership skills and foster a more inclusive, effective, and strategic work environment? This workshop is designed to equip leaders like you with the tools to lead with intelligence, purpose, and inclusivity. Explore the three pillars of effective leadership: Intelligent (emotional intelligence and strategic thinking), Intentional (purposeful decision-making and action), and Inclusive (embracing diversity and creating safe spaces for all). Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your leadership approach and make a positive impact on your organization’s culture!

Presentors: Dani Lauer, Assistant Director & Coordinator of Adult and Alumni Career Resources, Grand Valley State University & Grace Joaquin, Assistant Director for Technology and Data Analytics, GVSU & Megan Riksen, Assistant Director for Marketing and Communications, GVSU & Kristie Scanlon, Employer Relations Coordinator, GVSU

Discover how to create a dynamic internship cohort that fosters collaboration, professional growth, and lasting connections. Learn from Grand Valley State University Career Center interns and supervisors about the benefits of cohort-based models, and gain practical strategies to inspire teamwork across functional areas. Whether you’re starting fresh or refining your program, leave with actionable tips to build a thriving internship experience that maximizes learning and drives success for both interns and your organization.

Presentors: Ariel DuVal-Zinn, Talent Acquisition Supervisor, Michigan Education Corps at Hope Network & Kayla Doyle, Director of AmeriCorps and Academic Programs, Cherry Health & Margo Susnjar,Michigan Community Service Commission & Holly Windram, Executive Director, Hope Network’s Michigan Education Corps

With job competition and student loan debt, early-career professionals seek options to earn while learning on-the-job skills that advance their career. AmeriCorps offers 1,300+ paid opportunities across 400+ Michigan organizations to build career-specific skills through hands-on experience, and reduce student debt while keeping talent in-state. AmeriCorps program leaders will discuss how AmeriCorps service supports early talent’s professional growth and career pathways in high-demand fields like education, healthcare, and business.

Presentor: Devin Johannis, Professional Development Program Manager, University of Michigan – Dearborn

According to research, an estimated 15-20% of the global population is neurodivergent. Despite this commonality, an estimated 30-40% of neurodivergent adults face unemployment, with rates soaring as high as up to 80% for college educated autistic individuals. This session aims to serve as a primer for understanding neurodiversity and navigating how to establish authentic, neuro-affirming employment practices in the university setting and beyond.

Presentor: Nannette McCleary, University Counselor, Wayne State University

Gamification is an effective engagement strategy in career development. Using the concept of play in real-time, this hands-on presentation will provide an introduction to the Lego® Serious Play® methodology and discuss its application with individuals and teams. Participants will review gamification as it relates to Career Development Theory, explore relevant career exploration tools including the Lego® Serious Play® methodology and discuss application of play for individuals and teams.

Presentor: Spencer Lucker, Director-Strategic Talent Initiatives, Michigan Economic Development Corporation

MEDC will discuss the Talent Solutions division’s three-pronged approach to developing, retaining and attracting talent in Michigan and the important role higher education and employer partners are already playing. They’ll cover existing programs and resources, such as the You Can in Michigan talent campaign and STEAM Ahead, that you can leverage to be part of the effort to create a robust ecosystem that addresses large-scale challenges and positions Michigan as a leader in the talent landscape.

Presentor: Shelley Lowe, Director of Educated Workforce Strategy, Michigan College Access Network

This presentation completes the circle between employer employee training and development needs and State funded college and technical training programs. It will help education institutions grow their enrollment while supporting their employer partners.

Presentors: Yejie Lee, Career and Life Design Coach, Oakland University & Kelly Dorner, Director, Life Design and Campus Partnerships, Oakland University

Retention rates for first year students with undecided majors are a challenge at many universities. Oakland University’s First-Year Advising Center and Career and Life Design Center partnered to guide students in exploring majors through their strengths, interests, and values while considering multiple career paths. Within a year, this collaboration achieved the highest retention rate for exploring students in six years as well as an increase in students beginning their second year with a declared major. Join this session to learn more.

Presentors: Julie MacFarland, Talent Acquisition Consultant/Career Navigation Coach and Consultant, JL HR Consulting & Liz VanDiepenbos, Vice President JL HR Consulting & Rachel Cleveland-Holton Director of Consulting Services JOFI Assessments

This session highlights a paradigm shift in career guidance, urging career centers to move beyond class and degree selection to a model that prioritizes job fit. By leveraging assessments and collaboration with employers, attendees will gain tools to align students’ interests, strengths, and skills with meaningful career opportunities. Designed for career center staff and employers, this session offers practical insights to enhance student outcomes and foster a thriving talent pipeline.